Frigstad Offshore in jack-up rig deal with Japan’s BOTL

Frigstad Offshore has been hired by Japan’s BOTL as the owner’s representative for a newbuild jack-up.

Image source: JDC

Frigstad exited the rig-owning business in December 2016, after pulling out from its investment in two 7th generation ultra-deepwater drilling units. The company managed the construction, marketing, and preparations for operations for the two rigs so this experience might be where BOTL sees the value.

When it comes to the BOTL contract, Frigstad did not reveal much. It only said it would act as the owner’s representative for a newbuild jack-up – KFELS Hull number B378 – currently in KFELS Shipyard Singapore.

Offshore Energy Today has reached out to Frigstad Offshore, seeking more info on what exactly the BOTL agreement entailed, and more info on the expected rig delivery date. We will update the article if we get any response.

To remind, BOTL ordered a KFELS Super B Class jack-up rig from Keppel back in 2014 in a deal worth about $240 million. The rig – provisionally named Hakuryu-15, was supposed to be delivered in 2016, and operated by Japan Drilling Co., Ltd (JDC) based on the leased agreement with BOTL.

According to the current data from VesselsValue, the Hakuryu-15 rig is now scheduled for delivery in January 2019.

The KFELS Super B Class design has a drilling depth of 35,000 ft, and is capable of operating in 400 ft water depth. The rig can accommodate 150 personnel onboard.